Laura shares how she uses device-level parental controls across her family PC and her teenage son’s phone to help manage screen time, support safer social media use and build trust as her children grow more independent online.
Why we started using device parental controls
Laura is a single mum to two boys, aged 10 and 15, and lives and works in South Wales. As a self-employed parent juggling work and family life, supporting her children’s online safety has become an important part of everyday parenting.
For Laura, internet safety isn’t just a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity in a world where “inappropriate and misogynistic” content can often be just a click away.
As her eldest son has grown older and started using his smartphone more independently to stay in touch with friends and family, Laura wanted to make sure she had some visibility over how he was using his device without constantly checking it.
How we use parental controls on devices at home
The family relies on a combination of hardware and software for online safety. Laura’s first line of defence is using Google Family Link on the family PC.
“We use that because it lets me block inappropriate searches or websites that might otherwise come up in searches,” she says.
On her sons’ phones, Laura uses Apple Family Sharing to help manage access to social media and set time limits on certain apps.
“With my eldest, it allows me to control things like how much time he can spend on social media, even when I’m not around,” she explains.
Managing time spent on social media can be especially helpful for families with neurodiverse children, Laura adds, as it can reduce sensory overload from prolonged screen time.
Finding the right balance as children grow
Having overly strict rules isn’t always helpful for families with teenagers.
“If you say no to everything, then they are going to try and find a way to do it without your knowledge or approval,” Laura says.
Instead, she recommends adopting a strategy of ‘healthy limits’.
For example, Laura’s 15-year-old is allowed a teen Instagram account, but his access is limited to one hour a day. This allows him to stay connected with friends while still maintaining boundaries around screen time.
Why app approval is non-negotiable
A key part of Laura’s approach to online safety is app approval.
“Right from the start, when he got a phone, any apps he downloaded had to be approved by me first,” she says.
If her son wants to download an app, a notification is sent to Laura’s phone or computer so she can review it before installation.
This helps prevent hidden apps from being downloaded without parental knowledge and supports open conversations about what children are using online.
The challenges parents can’t always control
Despite having controls in place, Laura recognises that device settings cannot protect children in every situation.
Her biggest worry is the “consistency gap” when her sons are away from home.
“I can’t control what he sees with his friends or outside of the home,” she admits. “That is very nerve-wracking.”
Because parents can’t be everywhere at once, Laura advises families to focus on building trust and encouraging children to speak up if they come across something upsetting online.
“I feel very privileged that my son has come to me on numerous occasions and said, ‘I’ve seen something that made me feel uncomfortable.”
Laura’s top tips for other parents
- Don’t rely solely on tech – parental controls aren’t perfect
- Explain why controls are in place to build long-term trust
- Start early and implement app approval from day one
- Use limits to support independence, not restrict it
- Keep conversations open as children grow
